How GIS Has Changed Our World

In Australia, alarming new statistics reveal more than 70 per cent of the southeast’s Queensland 209 secondary schools are within 2km of a major fast food outlet such as McDonald’s, Hungry Jack’s, KFC, Red Rooster, Eagle Boys, Domino’s, Pizza Hut or Oporto. Data mapping, provided exclusively to The Sunday Mail by independent consultants ESRI Australia, shows clusters of major fast-food stores near hundreds of schools, not including other junk food sources such as service stations and convenience stores.

“This is making our job of selling good food difficult,” said Queensland Association of School Tuckshops executive manager Chris Ogden. “Tuckshop workers are trying to promote nutrition but with access to cheap fast food they are being stymied.”

To see the interactive map showing the proximity of fast food outlets to schools, click here.